South Africa's military on Friday began the first preparatory stages off its coast for controversial naval exercises with Russia and China, which are causing "concern" on the international scene in the context of the war in Ukraine.
"The Russian frigate has arrived in Durban. The Chinese boat will arrive later. We are in the preparation phase, the main maneuver will take place on February 22," a military source told AFP.
South Africa last month announced joint exercises with the Russian and Chinese navies "with the aim of sharing operational skills and knowledge".
Operations involving more than 350 South African soldiers are to continue until February 27 off Durban (southeast), the largest port in southern Africa on the Indian Ocean, and Richards Bay, some 180 km more North.
South Africa has claimed to have taken a neutral stance since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began nearly a year ago, refusing to join Western calls to condemn Moscow.
The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, on a visit to Pretoria last month, spoke of "irritating things" about relations between South Africa and Russia.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, asked about these joint military maneuvers, expressed "the concern of the United States".
During a January visit to Pretoria by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, his South African counterpart Naledi Pandor said that "all countries are carrying out military exercises with their friends".
This type of military exercise "does not usually pose a problem and constitutes useful experience for the South African navy which can thus train with foreign ships", explains to AFP Guy Martin, editor-in-chief of the specialized site. South African defenceWeb. "But from a political point of view, the decision is questionable."
"We are being used as a geopolitical platform by Russia," said John Stupart, editor of the African Defense Review.
A handful of demonstrators protested outside the Russian consulate in Cape Town on Friday, at the call of the Association of Ukrainians in South Africa.
"We want Russia to know that they are not welcome here, and for South Africa to immediately stop all cooperation," said Dzvinka Kachur, a 41-year-old Ukrainian living in South Africa.
"South Africa like any other country is carrying out military exercises with its friends all over the world," the spokesman for the Russian consulate told AFP earlier this week.
The Russian military frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" equipped with Zircon hypersonic missiles docked in Cape Town on Monday to refuel before heading to Durban.
"We are drawn into the spectacle of Russian propaganda," regretted Kobus Marais, of the first opposition party (DA, Democratic Alliance).
17/02/2023 16:59:53 - Johannesburg (AFP) - © 2023 AFP
